Rain, thunderstorm for Tigers, GWS with sun for Crows and Cats clash

RAIN could be Richmond’s ticket into the AFL Grand Final and possibly end their 37-year premiership drought. But it’ll be a different story for footy fans heading to Adelaide. MORE FINALS WEATHER

Ava, Mya, and Jai prepare to roar for Richmond. Picture: Andrew Tauber

DIEHARD Tigers fans could be gifted a win if the weather has its wintry way on Saturday.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit the MCG from 3pm and into the evening on Saturday.

Winds will reach between 40km/h to 60km/h before they shift and ease to the west.

Little Tigers fans Ava, Mya and Jai are on the prowl. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Richmond has proven its strength in the wet this year, while Greater Western Sydney fans could be in for a nailbiter outside of drier conditions.

Senior forecaster Michael Efron said it was going to be very windy on Saturday in Victoria, especially in Melbourne and Bayside suburbs.

“There will be a few spots of rain during the morning but they will tend to be focused to the afternoon and into the evening,” he said.

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GWS Giants Josh Kelly and Phil Davis at practice ahead of the match. Picture: AAP

Geelong Cats having been training hard to take on the Adelaide Crows. Picture: AAP

“The game could be affected by that activity. If the thunderstorms do cross, it could be really wet.

“Strong winds could make it a bit swirly, so kicking goals could be a bit hard.”

Mr Efron said there was a 20 per cent chance of a thunderstorm over the ‘G on Saturday.

Gates at the MCG will open from 2.45pm — two hours before the bounce — so the 90,000-plus fans expected through the turnstiles may be caught out in the wintry conditions.

Crows fans Daniel Kiley and Christopher Izzo at Adelaide Oval. Picture: AAP

Meanwhile, fans going to the city of churches for tomorrow night’s clash between the Crows and Cats will be blessed with a warm 26C day with light winds in the evening.

Mr Efron said footy fans in Adelaide will be graced with “quite good conditions”.

He said the temperature could dip to 20C during the 7.20pm match at Adelaide Oval.

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